Cruise Lines initiate uniform H1N1 virus screening
Posted Sun, May 3rd 2009, 11:45Lines initiate uniform H1N1 virus screening Under the new protocol, passengers must complete and sign a written form prior to embarking a CLIA member line ship anywhere in the world. The standardized, global precautions are being undertaken because the swine flu virus has moved beyond Mexico. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization noted the virus is already widespread. Under the CLIA lines’ enhanced screening protocol, a secondary screening will be conducted if a passenger reports flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat. Medical personnel at each line will decide, on a case by case basis, whether to allow boarding. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for H1N1 as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cruise industry instituted similar global screening protocols in the past during the outbreak of SARS in Asia.
1/5/2009
Cruise Lines International Association members have begun screening passengers for the H1N1 virus using a standardized questionnaire, as foreshadowed yesterday by Seatrade Insider.
